Our View: Every little step helps with South Coast Rail

Monday

Feb 24, 2014 at 6:16 PMFeb 24, 2014 at 6:23 PM

There's a long way between $4.1 million and $2.2 billion, but it's a start that should be applauded.

Herald News Editorial Board

It seemed that the South Coast Rail project had stalled, perhaps even derailed. Now, thanks in no small part to Gov. Deval Patrick’s strong support and the inclusion of $255 million in funding for the commuter rail expansion passed by the Massachusetts House as part of the $12.4 billion Transportation Bond Bill, South Coast Rail appears to finally be on track.

Although $255 million for South Coast Rail capital projects is certainly a lot of money and a key funding piece to move the project forward over the next five years, it’s still a drop in the bucket considering the total $2.2 billion price tag for South Coast Rail, which the state commits to funding in the long term, but without any specific mechanisms. The CIP would include funding that increases incrementally each year over five years — beginning at $4.1 million in 2014, to be used mainly for permitting purposes for the project and some equipment. Funding for Fiscal 2018 would total $72.9 million.

The next crucial step in bringing commuter rail to our region is the state Senate’s approval of the South Coast Rail funding in the Transportation Bond Bill to finance worthwhile transportation projects across the commonwealth.

Those who still believe that South Coast Rail will never become a reality may want to take a second look. There are already some visual reminders of the slow and steady progress being made, in the form of railroad track and rail bridge improvements. Even before the commuter rail project begins in earnest, improvements to the freight rail lines in what’s known as the “Southern Triangle” to ready the tracks for passenger service will pay some early economic dividends for the SouthCoast.

Already 6,000 of the 52,400 defective railroad ties in Fall River, Dartmouth and New Bedford have been replaced as part of an estimated $10 million project. Mass Coastal, the freight rail operator, is under contract with the state to complete the work.

Those improvements, presuming work resumes for the season as expected on April 1, should be completed by June 30. The track upgrades should present another freight transportation option for companies in the area by allowing the expanding freight rail services to travel at speeds much higher than the very slow speeds trains must currently travel due to the deplorable track conditions. Better freight rail service could help drive down transportation costs for businesses, making the SouthCoast a more appealing place to do business. It would also help ease congestion — and wear and tear from trucks — on area highways.

Meanwhile, DOT plans to spend $26.5 million on five at-grade crossings in the region — three in Freetown, one in Taunton and another in New Bedford. Those crossings had fallen into disrepair. The new crossings will feature the latest technology, including gates and updated signaling. Also in the works are repairs to railroad bridges to the tune of $40 million.

As incremental improvements take place, it is also expected to encourage investment in areas around planned rail stations. With some of these important improvements already under way, the state has shown its commitment to make South Coast Rail a reality, while also helping to spur economic development and bring improved freight transportation options to the region.